skip to main content

BBC Opens Funding Towards Works for a Virtual Festival

The BBC is inviting artists to apply for funding to create new works for its virtual festival Culture in Quarantine. Applications will open later this week.

Published: 30 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
A woman at home checking her mobile to access arts and culture
"It’s important during this period that we maintain access not just to news and information, but to the arts and culture." Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The collaboration between the broadcaster and Arts Council England will commission and distribute 25 new works by independent artists.

BBC maintains that continued access to arts and culture vital

Director-General Tony Hall says:

"It’s important during this period that we maintain access not just to news and information, but to the arts and culture.

For many people they are a valuable part of their lives and a way of stimulating imagination, thought, and escapism."

How to apply

The corporation is inviting applications from organisations or individuals. These can be collaborations between different disciplines.

Interested applicants are encouraged to email cultureinquarantine@thespace.org with the subject line “Please update me”, to be notified as soon as further guidance and the application form are published.

The online application form, terms and conditions, and FAQ’s will go live on The Space website, in the week commencing 30 March.

Accessing urgent financial support

For information on sources of financial assistance in times of hardship, and guidance on Government benefits see our Financial Support page.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

As the climate crisis intensifies, Aayushi Jain explores the balance between affordability and sustainability on the festival circuit. Drawing on her summer tour last year as an independent artist, she shares practical and creative ways to reduce the environmental impact of touring.

Published: 29 August 2025

Read more about Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability
Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

Read more about Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings